SBIR Phase I: Development of a Compact Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry Sensor Operating at 0.1 Tesla for Measuring Iohexol Concentration in Blood Samples

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a low-cost, portable diagnostic tool for measuring iohexol concentration in blood samples, which is important for assessing kidney function. This medical device potentially enables accurate measurements of kidney function and can impact tens of millions of people who live with kidney disease, for whom the current standard tests often provide only estimates of kidney function that can be highly inaccurate in certain settings. This capability enables doctors to make faster, more accurate decisions for staging of kidney disease or early detection of kidney injury. The potential societal benefits include improved patient outcomes across transplant patients and primary care settings, particularly in community clinics that currently lack access to advanced testing. From a commercial perspective, the project addresses a significant need in the kidney diagnostics market by offering a faster and more affordable alternative to current laboratory-based methods for iohexol-based measurement of kidney function. By shifting testing from centralized labs to the bedside, this technology reduces medical costs and increases efficiency for hospitals and clinics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the urgent need for a rapid, radiation-free method to measure kidney function. Most clinical assessments currently rely on endogenous biomarker estimates that can vary significantly from the true health status of a patient. This project aims to miniaturize the core physics of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner into a compact, benchtop sensor. The technical objective is to develop a low-field magnetic resonance sensor operating at 0.1 Tesla that can quantify the concentration of iohexol, a common contrast agent, in blood samples. The research involves designing a specialized magnet assembly and implementation of a miniaturized MRI spectrometer operating at an ultra low-field strength. Technical tasks include constructing the prototype sensor, validating the accuracy of the sensor, and ensuring consistent and precise results across multiple devices. The anticipated result is a functional prototype capable of quantifying iohexol concentration in less than one hour. This innovation represents a significant advancement in diagnostic engineering by providing laboratory-grade precision in a portable format, overcoming the logistical and technical barriers that currently limit accurate kidney function testing to specialized laboratories. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.